One of the two
One of the two main reasons why this film is so good is because it has a very good script and it is directed by a German who has a very good grasp on the territory of film making. (I know, I know, I'm crazy, but I'm sticking to my own words anyway.) And there is a whole lot more of the German attitude to the whole "The American Dream" than anything in this film.
One of the two main characters, Jeremy (played by Chad Hoechlin), is a highschool teacher. He works for a school that doesn't have a lot of students. Junior high-school is a big place for this kid. The teacher refuses to let the kid go. The kid asks who the teacher is. Jeremy grows up in a small town outside of Boston where he is a star as a movie star. He is adopted by a girl he likes